Professional Documents
Culture Documents
www.montgomeryschoolsrnd.org
MARYLAND
Ms. Astrove
"intense professional development around lesson plans." The principal further testified that
subsequent data showed that "our teachers were building their capacity and making adequate
progress with planning lessons and that it was, in fact, having an impact on student learning."
Furthermore, it is important to note that the concerns which led to the intensive professional
development surrounding lesson planning were not an artifact of the co-teaching model. As set
forth in the ALJ's decision, the co-teaching model was implemented at the school at the
beginning of the 2011-2012 school year. Since it was implemented, the co-teaching model at
the school has been an effective service delivery model for both special and general education
students.
We appreciate your concern regarding the impact an incompetent teacher could have on the
students s/he serves. We most emphatically share that concern, which is why MCPS, through its
professional growth process, acted to dismiss the teacher in this matter. As a result of the
diligent efforts of the school team, there is no cause to believe that the performance of the
terminated teacher served to deny students the FAPE to which they were entitled. Moreover, as
you know, the IEPs of special education students are reviewed by the entire IEP team at least
annually, and more frequently if requested by a parent/guardian or team member. Thus, any
concerns with student achievement would have been addressed at that time at the IEP meetings.
MCPS will continue to monitor the services currently provided to students in the co-taught
classes served by the terminated teacher during the relevant time period to confirm their
appropriateness.
Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. If you have any further questions or concerns,
please contact us at the Office of the General Counsel at 240-314-4840, or the Office of Special
Education at 301-279-3604, or via e-mail.
Sincerely,
Joshua I. Civin
General Counsel
Chrisandra A. Richardson
Associate Superintendent
JIC:CAE;:pgw
Copy to:
Dr. Navarro
Dr. Williams
Ms. Margoles